WW2 SST 11: Mission One: Aleutian 'Milk Run'
Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2021 1:36 pm
7:40 PM; August 13, 1943; Alaska Territory; First Special Service Force Camp
Even though it was August, the night air on the Alaskan Coast was chilly and the members of SST 11 shivered a bit and huddled in their parkas as they filed into the small building behind Colonel Frederick and Major Vallens brought up the rear, turning the room's light on and locking the heavy door behind them. For a moment, the members of SST 11 thought they were in trouble as the room had no windows or other doors leading out from it.....
Directed to take a seat at the dozen or so chairs in the room, Major Vallens went to a locked file cabinet, opened it up and brought out some documents in a thick folder and a map as Colonel Frederick leaned against the wall near the door. Vallens then passed the map around the group and started talking....
"Okay, as you all know, the plan is to hit Kiska in the early morning of 15 August with a fake landing attempt on the East Side of the Island where the Japanese bases are while the Main Landing actually hits on the West side of the Island. The FSSF will be the first ones in. Originally, you were going to be landing at Beach 10 on the extreme right edge of the assault...however, we have JUST received Intel that a small detachment from Unit 781; the Japanese Military Talent Program; is stationed on the tiny island of Kistakuta (OOC: NOT a real place) some 7 miles due East of Lief Cove...."
This map shows the planned attack with the areas outlined in red; i.e. Army Barracks, Main Camp and Sub Base showing the Japanese Facilities.
Vallens shook his head and said; "Now, we have NO idea why they are there......and it's possible this is bad Intel....but this source hasn't steered us wrong yet, so I don't think so. We have attempted to confirm the Intel with Aerial Photography, but the weather in the Aleutians is notoriously lousy and in particular, this tiny rock seems to have a permanent cloud bank hovering over it."
"Now, from what we've been able to learn from our Combat Operations against Japan so far, in particular from SST 4, typically most Unit 781 detachments are 4-6 people strong. We gave a LOT of thought to just detaching a Cruiser or a couple of Destroyer to blast the hell out of the tiny rock they're on; but it was decided that might alert the Japanese that we know more than we should....so instead, the plan is to insert your Team, via an 'Alligator' landing craft in the pre-dawn hours and have you guys eliminate any Japanese Talents you find there."
"You WILL have a portable radio with you and one Destroyer; the USS Carderock will be in the area and will be able to shell the island if needed. I sincerely hope this is NOT necessary as the entire island is only about 1 square mile in size, so if you're calling down fire on the island....you may just get caught in it. Best of luck and Good Hunting!"
Frederick speaks up at this point; "I'll be honest....I'm not thrilled at the idea of not having you guys with the Force as we hit the Island on our first Combat Mission, but orders are orders. Get plenty of rest and I'll make sure you all get good chow between now and when you load up on the Ships. Your weapons are being delivered to your tents as we speak. Anything else I can do for you?"
Even though it was August, the night air on the Alaskan Coast was chilly and the members of SST 11 shivered a bit and huddled in their parkas as they filed into the small building behind Colonel Frederick and Major Vallens brought up the rear, turning the room's light on and locking the heavy door behind them. For a moment, the members of SST 11 thought they were in trouble as the room had no windows or other doors leading out from it.....
Directed to take a seat at the dozen or so chairs in the room, Major Vallens went to a locked file cabinet, opened it up and brought out some documents in a thick folder and a map as Colonel Frederick leaned against the wall near the door. Vallens then passed the map around the group and started talking....
"Okay, as you all know, the plan is to hit Kiska in the early morning of 15 August with a fake landing attempt on the East Side of the Island where the Japanese bases are while the Main Landing actually hits on the West side of the Island. The FSSF will be the first ones in. Originally, you were going to be landing at Beach 10 on the extreme right edge of the assault...however, we have JUST received Intel that a small detachment from Unit 781; the Japanese Military Talent Program; is stationed on the tiny island of Kistakuta (OOC: NOT a real place) some 7 miles due East of Lief Cove...."
This map shows the planned attack with the areas outlined in red; i.e. Army Barracks, Main Camp and Sub Base showing the Japanese Facilities.
Vallens shook his head and said; "Now, we have NO idea why they are there......and it's possible this is bad Intel....but this source hasn't steered us wrong yet, so I don't think so. We have attempted to confirm the Intel with Aerial Photography, but the weather in the Aleutians is notoriously lousy and in particular, this tiny rock seems to have a permanent cloud bank hovering over it."
"Now, from what we've been able to learn from our Combat Operations against Japan so far, in particular from SST 4, typically most Unit 781 detachments are 4-6 people strong. We gave a LOT of thought to just detaching a Cruiser or a couple of Destroyer to blast the hell out of the tiny rock they're on; but it was decided that might alert the Japanese that we know more than we should....so instead, the plan is to insert your Team, via an 'Alligator' landing craft in the pre-dawn hours and have you guys eliminate any Japanese Talents you find there."
"You WILL have a portable radio with you and one Destroyer; the USS Carderock will be in the area and will be able to shell the island if needed. I sincerely hope this is NOT necessary as the entire island is only about 1 square mile in size, so if you're calling down fire on the island....you may just get caught in it. Best of luck and Good Hunting!"
Frederick speaks up at this point; "I'll be honest....I'm not thrilled at the idea of not having you guys with the Force as we hit the Island on our first Combat Mission, but orders are orders. Get plenty of rest and I'll make sure you all get good chow between now and when you load up on the Ships. Your weapons are being delivered to your tents as we speak. Anything else I can do for you?"